Deep coverage18 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for China.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
China L Tourist Visa
The L visa is issued to foreign nationals travelling to mainland China for tourism. Each entry usually permits a stay of 30 or 60 days; validity ranges from a single entry up to multiple-entry visas valid 5 or 10 years for nationals of certain countries (e.g. the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and Israel). Since January 2024 the consular requirement to submit round-trip tickets, hotel bookings, itineraries or invitation letters has been removed for most tourist applicants. The L visa does not lead to a residence permit or permanent residence and is for short visits only. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate (USD 140); nationals of most other countries pay USD 23 single / 34 double / 45 (6-month multiple) / 68 (12-month-plus multiple), and certain reciprocal rates differ. An expedited service (about 3 business days) is available for an extra fee.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
60 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a photocopy of the bio-data page.
Visa application formCompleted China online visa application form (COVA), printed and signed.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Proof of legal stay or residenceOptionalFor applicants not applying in their country of nationality, proof of legal residence or status in the country of application.
Previous Chinese visaOptionalCopy of any previous Chinese visa or residence permit, where applicable.
Transit Visa
China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Nationals of 55 eligible countries (as of 2025) may transit through mainland China without a visa for up to 240 hours (10 days) when holding valid travel documents and onward interline tickets with confirmed dates and seats to a third country or region. Entry and exit must be through one of the 65 designated ports across 24 provincial-level regions; travel is generally restricted to the relevant province/region(s). Permitted activities are tourism, business, exchange and family visits; work, study and news reporting are not allowed and require an appropriate visa with prior approval. This is a visa-free transit facility, not a visa, and does not lead to a residence permit. Travellers should verify their nationality, port and zone eligibility before travelling.
Government fee
$0
Processing time
0 days
Max stay
10 days
Document checklist (3)
PassportValid passport or international travel document of an eligible nationality.
Onward ticket to a third countryInterline ticket to a third country/region with confirmed date and seat, departing within 240 hours.
Arrival/departure cardTemporary entry foreigner card completed at the port of entry.
Business Visitor Visa
China M Business and Trade Visa
The M visa is issued to foreign nationals intending to travel to mainland China for commercial and trade activities, such as meetings, negotiations, trade fairs and supplier visits. It is granted as single, double or multiple entry; multiple-entry M visas can be valid up to 10 years for nationals of reciprocity countries (e.g. the United States), with a typical duration of stay of 30 to 60 days per entry. The core supporting document is an invitation or commercial-activity letter from a Chinese trade partner, following the standard invitation-letter format with the inviting party's official seal. The M visa is a short-stay business visa and does not authorise employment or lead to a residence permit; foreigners taking up paid work in China require a Z work visa. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates (commonly USD 23 single).
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
60 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Commercial invitation letterInvitation or commercial-activity document from a Chinese trade partner stating the invitee's details, purpose, dates and the inviting party's information and official seal.
Proof of legal stay or residenceOptionalFor non-nationals of the country of application, proof of lawful residence or status there.
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
3 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
China X1 Long-Term Student Visa
The X1 visa is issued to foreign nationals admitted to study in mainland China for more than 180 days, such as degree students and long-term language programmes. The applicant must hold an admission notice from a Chinese educational institution and a JW201 or JW202 visa-application form for studying in China (for higher education) or, for primary/secondary pupils, a student confirmation form. The X1 visa is single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the student must register and convert to a study-type residence permit (issued for the study period and renewable, up to multiple years). The study-residence period can count partly toward later residence-based eligibility. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.
Study: Full-time study at the admitting institution.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Admission noticeAdmission letter from the Chinese educational institution.
JW201 / JW202 formVisa-application form for study in China (JW202 for self-funded, JW201 for government-funded), or a student confirmation form for primary/secondary pupils.
Language Course Visa
China X2 Short-Term Student Visa
The X2 visa is issued to foreign nationals studying in mainland China for not more than 180 days, typically short language courses, exchange semesters or summer programmes. It requires an admission notice from the Chinese educational institution and, where applicable, a DQ information form. Unlike the X1 visa, the X2 does not require conversion to a residence permit; the holder studies for the visa's stated duration and then departs. It does not lead to a residence permit or permanent residence. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.
Study: Short-term study up to 180 days.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Admission noticeAdmission letter from the Chinese educational institution.
DQ information formOptionalInformation form where required by the institution or authority for short-term study.
Exchange Program Visa
China F Exchange, Visit and Study-Tour Visa
The F visa is issued to foreign nationals invited to mainland China for non-commercial exchanges, visits, study tours, academic or cultural activities and similar purposes. It is distinct from the M business visa (which covers commercial and trade activities) and from study visas (X1/X2 for enrolled students). The visa requires an invitation letter from a relevant Chinese entity or individual following the standard format. Entries, validity and duration of stay vary by reciprocity and the activity; the F visa is a short- to medium-stay visa and does not authorise paid employment or lead to permanent residence. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Invitation letterInvitation from a relevant Chinese entity or individual stating the nature of the exchange, visit or study tour, per the standard invitation format.
Not yet researched
Internship / Trainee Visa
1 route
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
China Z Work Visa
The Z visa is issued to foreign nationals taking up paid employment in mainland China. Before applying, the Chinese employer must obtain a Notification Letter of Foreigner's Work Permit from the local authorities on the applicant's behalf. The Z visa is typically single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; the holder must enter China and, within 30 days of arrival, register and convert the visa into a Foreigner's Work Permit and a work-type residence permit (issued for 1 to 5 years and renewable). The work-residence track can count toward permanent-residence eligibility for senior personnel. China classifies foreign workers into Category A (high-end talent), Category B (professionals) and Category C (other), which affects the work-permit assessment. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates.
Work: Employment authorised for the sponsoring employer once the work permit and residence permit are issued.
Residency after 4 years
Family: Family members apply for S1/S2 visas based on the worker's status.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Notification of Work Permit for ForeignersNotification Letter of the Foreigner's Work Permit issued by the competent Chinese authority to the employer.
Proof of legal stay or residenceOptionalFor non-nationals of the country of application, proof of lawful residence or status there.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
China Permanent Residence by Investment
China does not operate a fast-track 'golden visa', but permanent residence is available through the investment category of the Foreigner's Permanent Residence regime. Applicants must have made direct and stable investment in China with good tax-payment records for 3 consecutive years. Regional thresholds apply: at least USD 500,000 in western or poorer designated areas, USD 1,000,000 in central China, or USD 2,000,000 in eastern/coastal regions (the minimum, USD 500,000, is shown here). On approval the applicant receives the D visa abroad and, after entering China, the Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card, valid 10 years and renewable. Applications are filed in China with the Exit-Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau and adjudicated by the National Immigration Administration; processing commonly takes 6 to 12 months. The investor's spouse and unmarried children under 18 may be included under the family category.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in China without a separate work permit.
Study: Full access to study and public services.
Residency: This route confers permanent residence directly; the card is valid 10 years and renewable.
Family: Spouse and unmarried children under 18 may be included under the family category.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Validity
3,650 days
Min. investment
$500,000,000
Document checklist (7)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages.
Permanent residence application formApplication for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Status filed with the local Exit-Entry Administration.
Proof of qualifying investmentEvidence of direct, stable investment in China meeting the regional threshold (business registration, capital-contribution and audit records).
Tax recordsGood tax-payment records for 3 consecutive years.
Health certificateHealth examination certificate as required for permanent-residence applicants.
Criminal record / non-criminal certificateCertificate of no criminal record from relevant jurisdictions.
Passport photosRecent colour passport-size photos against a white background.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
No verified routes yet
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
Working Holiday Visa
5 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
China Q1 Family Reunion Visa
The Q1 visa is issued to foreign family members of Chinese citizens, or of foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence, who intend to reside in China for family reunion for more than 180 days, and to foreigners coming for foster-care purposes. Eligible relationships include spouses, parents, children, parents-in-law, siblings, grandparents and grandchildren. The Q1 visa is single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the holder must register and convert to a family-reunion residence permit (issued and renewable for the period of reunion). The core documents are an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident, a copy of the inviter's ID (front and back), and original kinship proof such as a marriage or birth certificate. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.
Study: Resident family members may enrol in study subject to institution rules.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Granted on the basis of the family relationship with the Chinese citizen or PR holder.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Invitation letterInvitation from the Chinese citizen or Chinese permanent resident in China.
Inviter's IDPhotocopy of the inviter's Chinese ID card (front and back) or permanent-residence card.
Proof of kinshipOriginal certificate of family relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarised kinship proof).
Dependent Relative Visa
China S1 Long-Term Dependent Visa (Family of Resident Foreigner)
The S1 visa is issued to family members of foreign nationals who are working or studying in mainland China and who intend to stay for more than 180 days, and to those coming for other private affairs of long duration. Eligible relatives include spouses, parents, parents-in-law, and children under 18. The S1 visa is single-entry and valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the holder must register and apply for a family-type residence permit within 30 days (issued and renewable for the period of stay). The core documents are an invitation letter from the resident foreigner, a copy of the inviter's passport bio-page and residence permit, and original kinship proof. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.
Study: Dependent children may enrol in school subject to local rules.
Family: Issued on the basis of the relationship to the resident foreigner.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Invitation letterInvitation from the foreign national working or studying in China.
Inviter's status documentsCopy of the inviter's passport bio-data page and Chinese residence permit.
Proof of kinshipOriginal certificate of family relationship (marriage or birth certificate, etc.).
Dependent Relative Visa
China Q2 Short-Term Family Visit Visa
The Q2 visa is issued to foreign nationals visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens, or foreigners holding Chinese permanent residence, for stays of not more than 180 days. It is the short-stay counterpart of the Q1 family-reunion visa and does not require conversion to a residence permit. Multiple-entry Q2 visas valid for several years are available to nationals of reciprocity countries. The core documents are an invitation letter from the Chinese citizen or permanent resident, a copy of the inviter's ID, and a photocopy of kinship proof. The Q2 does not lead to a residence permit or permanent residence. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.
Family: Issued on the basis of kinship with the Chinese relative.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Invitation letterInvitation from the Chinese citizen or Chinese permanent resident in China.
Inviter's IDPhotocopy of the inviter's Chinese ID card or permanent-residence card.
Proof of kinshipPhotocopy of certificate proving the family relationship.
Dependent Relative Visa
China S2 Short-Term Dependent Visa (Family of Resident Foreigner)
The S2 visa is issued to family members of foreign nationals working or studying in mainland China for short visits of not more than 180 days, and for other short-term private matters. It is the short-stay counterpart of the S1 visa and does not require conversion to a residence permit. The category of eligible relatives is broader than S1, covering spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents and other relatives. Multiple-entry S2 visas valid for several years are available to nationals of reciprocity countries, and S2 is commonly the accompanying visa for family of R-visa talent. The core documents are an invitation from the resident foreigner, the inviter's passport and residence documents, and a photocopy of kinship proof. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.
Family: Issued on the basis of kinship with the resident foreigner.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Invitation letterInvitation from the foreign national working or studying in China.
Inviter's status documentsCopy of the inviter's passport bio-data page and Chinese residence permit.
Proof of kinshipPhotocopy of the certificate proving the family relationship.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Five-year visa / residence permit for foreigners of Chinese origin
Available
Since February 2018, former Chinese citizens and children/grandchildren of (former) Chinese citizens can obtain 5-year multiple-entry visas and 5-year residence permits on proof of Chinese heritage.
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
China R High-Level Talent Visa
The R visa is issued to high-level foreign talent and to specialists whose skills are urgently needed in China. Typical qualifying groups include individuals selected under national talent programmes, internationally recognised achievers (for example, professors and associate professors at the world's top-ranked universities), and senior personnel at major enterprises. The R visa is usually granted as a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 or 10 years, with a duration of stay of up to 180 days per entry. To take up employment, holders convert to a Foreigner's Work Permit (Category A high-end talent) and a residence permit after arrival, through their host institution. Spouses and minor children can generally obtain accompanying visas (most often S2) with matching validity. The core supporting document is a Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign Talent issued by the Chinese authorities. The fee shown is the US-citizen single-entry rate.
Work: Employment permitted after conversion to a Category A work permit and residence permit.
Study: Academic and research activity permitted within the talent role.
Residency after 4 years
Family: Spouse and minor children may obtain accompanying S2 visas with matching validity.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
3,650 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Confirmation Letter for High-Level Foreign TalentLetter issued by the competent Chinese authority confirming the applicant's high-level-talent status.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
China K Visa for Young Science and Technology Talent
The K visa is a new ordinary-visa category established by the State Council, effective 1 October 2025, to attract young foreign science and technology talent. It is aimed at young STEM graduates (bachelor's degree or higher) from recognised universities or research institutions, and young professionals engaged in relevant teaching or research, subject to age, education and experience requirements set by the Chinese authorities. Its distinctive feature is that, unlike the Z work visa, no domestic employer or invitation letter is required up front, and the process is streamlined. Holders may engage in exchanges in education, culture, science and technology, and in entrepreneurial and business activities, with greater flexibility in number of entries, validity and duration of stay than other categories. Detailed eligibility thresholds, validity and the document list are set by the competent authorities and were still being finalised after launch, so specific figures should be confirmed with the consulate.
Work: Permits education, science-and-technology exchange, entrepreneurial and business activities; specific employment rules set by authorities.
Study: Educational and academic exchange activities are permitted.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Document checklist (4)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Proof of qualificationsEvidence of a STEM degree (bachelor's or higher) from a recognised university or research institution, or of relevant teaching/research work, as specified by the competent authority.
Journalist / Media Visa
China J2 Short-Term Journalist Visa
The J2 visa is issued to foreign journalists travelling to mainland China for short-term news coverage of not more than 180 days. Applications follow the requirements of the competent authority (the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), with a press card and the news organisation's supporting documents. Unlike the J1 visa, the J2 does not require conversion to a residence permit. The fee shown (USD 171) is the US-citizen rate for J visas; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates. News reporting requires this category and prior approval.
Work: Authorised for short-term news coverage with prior approval.
Government fee
$171
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Official accreditation documentsSupporting documents required by the competent authority, including the news organisation's dispatch letter and Ministry of Foreign Affairs notification.
Press cardValid press card or credentials from the news organisation.
Journalist / Media Visa
China J1 Resident Journalist Visa
The J1 visa is issued to foreign resident correspondents of overseas news organisations who are posted to mainland China for more than 180 days. Applications must follow the requirements of the competent authority (the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its accreditation procedures), with a press card and the news organisation's documents. The J1 visa is valid for entry within 90 days; after arrival the journalist registers and converts to a journalist-type residence permit, renewable for the duration of the posting. The fee shown (USD 171) is the US-citizen rate for J visas; other nationalities pay reciprocal rates. Work as a journalist requires this category and prior approval; tourist and business visas do not permit reporting.
Work: Authorised to work as an accredited resident correspondent for the sponsoring organisation.
Family: Family members apply for S1/S2 visas based on the journalist's posting.
Government fee
$171
Processing time
4 days
Max stay
30 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (5)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Official accreditation documentsDocuments required by the competent authority, including the news organisation's dispatch letter and accreditation/notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Press cardValid press card or credentials from the overseas news organisation.
Permanent Residence
China D Permanent Residence Visa / Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card
The D visa is issued to foreigners approved to reside in mainland China permanently. In practice an applicant first obtains, in China, a Confirmation Form for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Status, then collects the D visa abroad and enters to receive the Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card. The National Immigration Administration grants permanent residence under defined categories: (1) direct, stable investment with good tax records for 3 consecutive years (regional thresholds: at least USD 500,000 in western/poorer areas, USD 1,000,000 in central China, USD 2,000,000 in eastern/coastal areas; the minimum is shown here); (2) holding a senior post (e.g. deputy general manager / associate professor and above) or equivalent salary for at least 4 consecutive years with at least 3 years' residence in China and good tax records; (3) making significant and outstanding contributions to China; or (4) being the spouse (5-year marriage with at least 9 months' residence each year, plus stable income and housing), an unmarried child under 18, or a dependent elderly relative of an eligible applicant. Applications are filed in China with the Exit-Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau and adjudicated by the NIA; the permanent-resident card is valid for 10 years and renewable. Government fees are about CNY 1,500 (application) plus CNY 300 (card); the visa fee shown is the US-citizen consular rate.
Work: Permanent residents may live and work in China without a separate work permit.
Study: Full access to study and public services as a permanent resident.
Residency: This is the permanent-residence status itself; the ID card is valid 10 years and renewable.
Family: Spouse (5-year marriage), unmarried children under 18 and dependent elderly relatives may be included under the family category.
Government fee
$140
Processing time
4 days
Validity
3,650 days
Min. investment
$500,000,000
Document checklist (7)
PassportOriginal passport valid at least 6 months with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a bio-data page photocopy.
Visa application formCompleted and signed COVA visa application form.
Passport photoOne recent colour passport-size photo against a white background.
Confirmation Form for Permanent ResidenceConfirmation Form for Foreigner's Permanent Residence Status issued by the National Immigration Administration / Ministry of Public Security.
Proof of qualifying categoryEvidence supporting the eligibility ground: investment and tax records, senior-position and salary documents, contribution evidence, or marriage/kinship and residence proof.
Health certificateHealth examination certificate as required for permanent-residence applicants.
Criminal record / non-criminal certificateCertificate of no criminal record from relevant jurisdictions.
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